In 2020 EastFruit analysts were first to report that Peru took the crown of the largest global fresh blueberry exporter away from Chile, which came as a major surprise. Now, 5 years later, the dominance of Peru on the global market is complete by volume and by value.
In the 2024/25 season, Peru achieved record exports – 326,000 tons shipped by the end of 2024, a 57% increase over the prior year (Peru retains top blueberry exporter status with record 2024-25 season – Blue Book). This volume (continuing to April 2025) translated into over $2.27 billion in export sales, according to Peru’s Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation. “Peru has consolidated its position as the world’s leading exporter of blueberries”, reported a Peruvian official source.
The surge in 2024 came after a somewhat smaller crop in 2023, which – combined with reduced output from Mexico and others – actually led to higher global blueberry prices and a 23% jump in Peru’s export value that year despite lower volume, EastFruit informs. By late 2023, average blueberry prices spiked to $8.50–$8.90 per kg, roughly double the levels of 2022. This price rebound benefited Peruvian growers and signaled robust demand even amid tighter supply.
However, the prices for fresh blueberries exported from Peru in the current season are only around half of the levels achieved in 2023/24 and are estimated at $4.5-4.6 per kg. This price drop recovery in production volume and continued are expansion.
Peru’s success is built on its year-round production capability and rapidly expanded acreage. As the Peruvian season extends beyond the traditional North American summer window, Peru is able to “supply blueberries outside the peak season experienced by other nations such as Chile and the U.S.”, taking advantage of the Peruvian coast and highlands’ unique climates. The country has roughly 20,000 hectares planted (up from just 2,000 ha in 2016) and has heavily invested in modern high-yield varieties of berries. Yields average ~13–14 tons/ha in Peru – among the highest in the world – allowing Peru to produce over 300 thousand tons annually.
Read also: Global Fresh Blueberry Outlook 2025–2030
Andriy Yarmak, an economist at the FAO Investment Centre, notes that such yield levels enable Peru to compete successfully in the global market, despite its geographical distance from major importers.
“Modern varieties and production technologies, well-developed infrastructure for post-harvest handling, sorting, and exports, along with an abundant and affordable labor force — all these factors, combined with the gradual accumulation of know-how in blueberry cultivation and logistics, create the foundation for Peru’s long-term leadership in global blueberry exports,” Yarmak emphasizes.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Peruvian industry officials project exports could exceed 350,000 tons per year in the near term, barring any major climate disruptions. Indeed, if weather conditions cooperate, Peru is on track to break further records. The country’s growth rate may moderate from the breakneck 50%+ jumps of early years to a steadier pace, but even a 5–10% annual volume increase would keep Peru far ahead of other exporters. Over 2019–2023 Peru’s blueberry export volume grew on average 14.5% per year translating into an additional ~28,000 tons annually – very large volumes by all standards.
In terms of markets, Peru’s top destinations underscore its importance in global supply chains. In 2024, about 55% of Peruvian fresh blueberry exports went to the United States – the world’s largest importer – with another 21% to the Netherlands (a gateway to the EU), and 9% to Hong Kong (often re-exported into China). In total, Peru alone has been estimated to account for roughly 30% of global fresh blueberry trade in recent years.
Notably, China has substantially increased its demand for Peruvian blueberries. Exporters report strong growth in orders from China and other Asian markets like India, Singapore, and the Gulf states. This diversification is a strategic focus for Peru – ensuring multiple market outlets as volumes rise. Peru’s ability to deliver consistent, high-quality fruit year-round has given it a wide “window” in the market.
Barring climate setbacks (e.g. El Niño-related disruptions), Peru is expected to remain the dominant exporter through 2030. The country is still expanding acreage in newer regions and fine-tuning varieties to meet market preferences.
With organic blueberries now over 11% of Peru’s export volume (Peru retains top blueberry exporter status with record 2024-25 season – Blue Book), there’s also an emphasis on capturing premium niches. In summary, Peru enters 2025–2030 as the pace-setter for global blueberry supply, and its volumes – as well as market influence on pricing – will continue to grow in the coming years. Anyone planning to invest into the blueberry business should be aware of the competition from Peru.
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